Despite parsley being a biennial herb from the carrot family, it is not an unusual practice to cultivate parsley as an annual. Parsley has been highly valued – each and every part of it. During harvest time, growers harvest not just the leaves and stem of parsley, but its roots as well. True experts in herb flavoring know that the stronger flavor of parsley is found in its roots, not the leaves, although it is a common culinary practice to use the green leaves. Besides, the roots of parsley have a more important role: medicinal. While the leaves help nourish people by encouraging their appetite, the roots are used to heal those suffering from a wide variety of ailments.
Classification Information:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Petroselinum
Species: P. crispum
Binomial name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley Trivia
- Wreaths were made from parsley in the belief that it can prevent intoxication.
- Believe it or not, parsley seed oil is used to make shampoo, soap, and even shampoo.
- Cultivation of parsley started in the 3rd century BC.